How to Choose a Small Built in Microwave Oven

Reduce counter space and space for work surfaces by moving your microwave to a recessed cavity in the cabinetry or wall. built in microwave over oven-in microwaves are an excellent option for kitchens of any size. They seamlessly blend into the cabinetry or wall.

This 1.2-cubic-foot oven comes with 10 power settings and presets for the most popular food items like pizza, popcorn and frozen vegetables. It also has a smart sensor that determines the cooking time based on the weight of food and density.

Power

A small built-in microwave oven is an excellent kitchen appliance for cooking and warming food. The majority of these appliances are powerful and can heat foods quickly and evenly. It is important to choose the correct microwave to meet your needs. Some features to consider include size, power level, design, and the control options. Some models have large icons on the display that assist you in selecting the best settings, while other models have smooth control panels that are easy to read under different lighting conditions. Other things to consider are the number of racks and the kind of turntable.

When selecting a small microwave it is essential to consider the machine's interior capacity. The typical countertop microwave can hold a capacity of 1.2 to 2.2 cubic feet. A larger microwave can cook more food at one time, but it may take longer to heat. You should also check the exterior dimensions to make sure it fits in the space you want it to.

There are three types of microwave ovens: convection, conventional, and oven. Conventional microwaves heat food using electromagnetic radiation. They are perfect for standard uses, such as reheating left-overs and defrosting food items. Convection microwaves are designed to bake and roast, and usually come with an element of heating and a fan that circulate hot air around the food. Additionally, an oven white integrated microwave combines the functions of a traditional and convection microwave in one unit.

It is not enough to pay attention to power, but also to the maximum and minimum power of your microwave. The minimum wattage required for microwave ovens is 800 watts, and the maximum is 1,200 watts. Beware of buying a microwave that has less than 1,000 Watts, because it won't properly cook your food.

Installing a built-in microwave in your cab convenient way to heat up food and beverages.

Alternately, you can put in an open-top pantry shelf designed to fit a microwave. The shelves are wide enough to fit in any space and deep enough to stop them from tipping. Some options even have an edge that is curved to help prevent spills and tipping.

Another option is stacking the microwave over an oven that is a match in a cabinet of mid-height. This is a classic installation and is a great choice for Transitional style kitchens. The majority of manufacturers offer trim kits to align the microwave with the oven's depth. These kits are available in louvered and flat designs and can be installed on top of the millwork or flush mounted.

Design

A built-in microwave can be a handy kitchen appliance, but it's important to choose a design that blends into the rest of your kitchen layout. Placing it on the countertop occupies a sizable footprint that can be a hindrance to the design of your kitchen. There are plenty of ways to hide this versatile small appliance, without sacrificing storage or countertop space.

One option is to install an appliance garage or cabinet to conceal the microwave when not being used. This option is especially beneficial for small kitchens with limited wall space. This kind of cabinet can be customizable to fit the trim and door style in your kitchen, giving it a sleek custom appearance.

You can also hide your microwave by adding it to the cabinetry of your pantry. This will give your kitchen a neat and uncluttered appearance and also keeps it within easy reach. This type of placement is ideal for a small kitchen and may be paired with other cabinets in the pantry to maximize storage space.

Some microwaves have built in microwave and oven combo-in racks or turntables that let you to cook multiple dishes at once. These features can make it more efficient as well as useful. It is important to only use microwave-safe cooking equipment and cookware when using these appliances. Avoid using metal containers or cookware that has metallic accents. These can cause sparks that could cause damage to the microwave.

Microwaves intended to be put in a cabinet or drawer may have venting systems that can be used with these enclosed spaces. It is important that you consult with your contractor to ensure the proper venting is specified. A microwave should not be placed near windows, as it can block them and prevent ventilation.

There are a variety of ways to incorporate microwaves into your kitchen design such as putting it under the counter or hiding it away in an island. A microwave with a drawer is a great option for kitchens with a limited counter space because it can be easily accessed by people of all heights.

Another option is to place the microwave over a built-in wall oven. This type of installation is ideal for Transitional or Traditional Kitchens. Kitchen Designers might opt to employ a trim kit for the final installation to cover any gaps. They are available in louvered or flat styles and can be matched to the oven you have.

Cost

A small built in microwave oven can be an attractive kitchen upgrade, adding both aesthetics and functionality to your kitchen's design. Choose from a range of designs and finishes to complement your home's decor, and look for features such as auto defrost cooking settings, cook settings, and timers which make meal preparation easier. Certain microwaves also come with designs that help them resist fingerprints, allowing you to keep them looking clean.

Countertop microwaves are useful however they can take up valuable counterspace and limit the design and functionality of your kitchen. If you're worried about this, think about a recessed model that can be installed within your cabinetry for an elegant, customized look. A small built in microwave oven installed in the kitchen island could help to free up space while providing a stylish, integrated microwave combi oven appearance. However, it's important to remember that a recessed microwave requires sufficient air space around the sides and rear to function effectively.

Consider how often you use your microwave and what type of food you cook the most often when deciding where to put it. If you typically cook pizzas and frozen meals, choose a microwave with more power that will cook your food quickly and evenly. If you're cooking vegetables or other foods that require delicate heating, you should consider a lower wattage unit that will avoid burning and overcooking.

If you're not able to fit your microwave inside an existing cabinet or prefer a more compact model, you can install a small, movable stand. These stands come with a base that can support the microwave, keep it upright and often have a fingerprint-resistant surface. They're a low-cost and small built in microwave oven practical option that can be used as an interim microwave solution until you can find a permanent place for it in your kitchen.

Add a small microwave to the corner of your house which will serve as a mini hood for your stove. This is a great method to save space but it is not recommended for homes with children or elderly residents that need easy access to their kitchen. A corner microwave should not be set in the windows in front of them, as it could hinder ventilation and shatter glass in the event of a crisis.